Most written histories of Colorado only briefly mention the events that took
place during the War for Southern Independence (1861-1865). The events and
incidents that were reported were generally described as being of little
significance or importance. Those events that did take place in Colorado are
usually described in the following manner:
- Colorado was very loyal to the Union;

- The majority of its resources went to support the Union cause;

- There were no “Civil War Battles” fought within the territory (other than
the Sand Creek Indian Massacre);

-The US Army had little or no trouble with the Confederates in Colorado
after 1862.

Unfortunately, these descriptions over simplify the events that occurred in
Colorado during the War. In reality, more went on in Colorado during the War
than is popularly known, admitted or reported in history books:

- Colorado was only marginally loyal to the Union, as 4 statehood attempts
were thwarted by Confederate sympathizers (in July 1862, February 1863,
February 1864, and January 1866);

- Many thousands of dollars worth of gold, arms, supplies and money went to
the Confederate cause from Colorado;

Colorado played an important role during the War for Southern Independence
and many “clashes” between Confederate and Union forces took place within
its borders. Additionally, after the War, Colorado became a haven for many
thousands of ex-Confederates and Southerner seeking to start a new life in a
new frontier. Through the years, Colorado has embraced its Confederate
heritage by dedicating many monuments and memorials to honor those who
fought for the Confederacy.

Interestingly, Colorado is the only non-Southern State to host a national
convention of surviving Confederate Veterans! The national organization of
the United Confederate Veterans (active from 1890-1951) held their 49th
Reunion in Trinidad, Colorado (August 22-25, 1939).

And finally, after the War, Colorado became the only non-Southern state to
have two ex-Confederate soldiers elected to the office of state governor:

James B. Grant (Private, Company B, 20th Alabama Light Artillery Battalion,
Confederate States of America) served as the 3rd Governor of Colorado
from1883-1885.

Charles S. Thomas (Private, Georgia State Militia, Confederate States of
America) served as the 11th Governor of Colorado from 1899-1901 and as a
U.S. Senator.